The night was heavy, colder than before. Maybe it was the way Ymir stood in the doorway, silent, pale eyes rimmed red. The silence pressed in like ice.
Hermes' chest twisted, seeing that glimmer of vulnerability in him… something he had never expected to see.
For a long time, Ymir said nothing. His lips moved once, twice, then finally sound scraped out.
"…I'm sorry. I know apology was long overdue but... I'm really sorry."
The words landed with more weight than any blade Hermes had ever felt.
Ymir stepped forward, trembling. "I've done terrible things. To you, Hermes… and to Magni. I thought it was a strength to be cold. I thought cruelty was just how I was born, and that made it right. But it wasn't. It never was."
His fists clenched at his sides.
"I told myself you were just like the others. That you only stayed by me because you wanted something. Power, recognition, safety. That deep down you despised me… like my family did. Like everyone did."
